NKC is not a joke. Every performer they've announced has shown up everytime I've been there. The stage is a good enough size to fit the artist plus their entire crew, while small enough allowing the attendee an "intimate" encounter with the performer. In the initial post on this thread the announcer, AliciaNKC, posts that showtime is at 1 so, how can this be a scam? I say if you haven't been to NKC and hear of a show with a performer you might want to check out, give them a try! ....and Yes, expect the artist to hit the stage LATE, but what do you expect from a place that stays open til 4AM? A PARTY!

I am not connected to NKC, I am only a lover of live music, especially reggae, who happens to enjoy attending shows at NKC.

I have only seen Fantan Mojah at KC, which was his first appearance there years ago. It sounds like it's under different management or ownership, hence "New" KC however, we had a great time at the show I went to although it was a track show that started later than we had expected. I second VgVgirl's statement as long as you are willing to stay up late and pay more $ than other places.

When I went to Beenie Man at NKC, I stopped a mugging on the way in. This was on 14th less than a 100 yards from the door. The real advice should be don't get caught slipping in that part of town.
Anyone who attends small venue shows on a regular basis is familiar with the not so subtle ploy of trying to get us to stand around drinking for 2-3 hours waiting for the show. Bottom line, the Bar generates a large portion of their revenue so they want us to hang out.
Those prices are steep, as I suspect that Gyptian will be "Live" over a DJ not a "Live" Band. (The actual price online right now is 26.41$ so there is some false advertising that is slightly in your favor). It is too bad that music and art are just one more commodity to be exploited thru scarcity and other market manipulations, but that is capitalism...

So one night i was hanging out backstage at Ashkenaz, the musicians had all gone to dinner and i was relaxing and puffing one with my bud. The manager came in and asked if we were with the band as the dj had been playing for more than a half hour and he was adament that a half hour was long enough before the band came on, that it was discourteous to the audience to keep them waiting longer. I assured him that the band leader had said that 10:30 pm was the perfect time to start a reggae show, right before they left for dinner, so i didn't think they would be back til just before then, which was an hour after doors had opened. He wasn't happy. But they did arrive back at 10:20 and started at 10:30. Now whenever i'm at a show, i compare the start time to 10:30.....

It was packed, super hot and sweaty. New Kingston Opened (the group of 3 brothers not the Band) Gyptian's set was from 1:20 - 2am. He ran all his hit tunes. Still using "Rrrrrrrrrrr" and now a new Screeching "Dash" signature styles. He mentioned that he had to catch a flight to Canada but #afterparty pictures were posted on Instagram.

"Early arrival suggested to avoid long lines" is the scam when the true artist (headliner) for the night comes on at 1.20 am. Who wants to sit around from 9 pm to 1 am waiting for an artist that plays for 40-50 minute? That place sucks.

I have been there to see:

1) fanta Mojah
2) Bernie man
3) warrior king

All of these shows were mediocre at best and started at 1 am. Lame!!!!

QuoteChimino
1am is not bad for an after-hours club. If it's 2am lock-off, then that's a different story. Either way, Gyptian is wack.

Ya really, at New Parish there was a bunch of people happy he was going on late so they could go see both. Obviously they are successful so if you dont like the business model dont go, im sure your not missed. And if you are they will change, why drag them down? There was a time that i wanted to listen to music till dawn, and from what i hear there are plenty that are into whats happening there. And if you dont feel safe in OAK you might not want to be there late at night, because fear usually attracts predators. Just my old dude advise.

I don't understand what some of you are complaining about. We got there at 11:30 and the line was wrapped around the corner. Once we got in the music was great and so was the crowd, and Gyptian ripped it.

Most people who go to clubs will drink regardless if they arrive early or late. The club will make its money at the bar regardless. I have no complaints other than the long line. Some people will never be satisfied and always look for a reason to complain. I will be there in April for Konshens and I will get there early to avoid the line.